Ducks on the Wawayanda

And they’re off! Before the start of the Duck Derby organizers and volunteers waited by a spot on the South Street Bridge where at 1:30 p.m. they launched all the rubber ducks, that they had just placed in a large tarp, into the swift waters of Wawayanda Creek.

Crowds flock to Winslow’s 27th annual Duck Derby

The weather was near perfect on Sunday, May 21, as large crowds enjoyed bright sunshine and moderate temperatures while strolling around downtown Warwick.

But weekend visitors and newcomers could understandably be excused for wondering why hundreds of adults and children came out to crowd the bridges or run along the banks of Wawayanda Creek.

Besides the fact that the Farmers Market in the South Street Parking lot was in full swing, many of those onlookers had “adopted” one or more of the rubber ducks that filled sacks released for the race, each bearing the number that corresponded with the $5 ticket they had purchased for the 27th annual Duck Derby.

Proceeds to benefit Winslow and non-profit groupsWhen the final tally is in, Winslow Therapeutic Center, a non-profit organization accredited by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, will share half of the proceeds from the popular event with non-profit organizations that helped market the tickets.

Before the start of the Duck Derby organizers and volunteers waited by a spot on the South Street Bridge where at 1:30 p.m. they launched all the rubber ducks, that they had just placed in a large tarp, into the swift waters of Wawayanda Creek.

Volunteers then captured the winning ducks at a finish line net placed just beyond the Main Street Bridge.

The numbers on the first eight ducks to hit the net were then matched with the names and addresses of the lucky ticket holders, which were announced shortly after the race.

PrizesMost of the eight valuable prizes were merchandise or services donated by businesses or individuals.

The first-place prize of $1,000, sponsored by CLC Transportation, Mt. Kisco, was won by the Winfrey family of Warwick.